Although the US NTSC Nintendo
64 console and the Japanese NTSC Nintendo 64 are almost identical, there
is a small safeguard built into the units to prevent you from playing import
software. If you try to fit a Japanese game cart into a US console, you will
find that it will simply not fit into the slot.

Luckily, there is an easy fix
for it. Below, we give you a step-by-step walkthrough on how to modify your
US console so that you can play Japanese cartridges without the need of a
converter.

You will need the following
tools:

4.5mm (millimeter) Gamebit
& Screwdriver or Grip

Phillipshead
Screwdriver

Optional: File or Soldering
Iron

Here's a look at the tools (as
well as the shape of the screws that you need to unscrew):

You won't have a problem finding
a Phillipshead, but getting your hands on a 4.5mm Gamebit can be tricky.
You can either go to a major hardware/tools store in your area, try ordering
online, or simply do what we do: call MCM Electronics at 1-800-543-4330.
They'll usually get you what you're looking for. If everything fails and
you can't find a 4.5mm Gamebit, you can also try to open your console with
a small set of pliers -- although we advise against it as this may wear down
the screws. Once you've got the Gamebit and the Phillipshead, you're ready
to begin.

Warning: Remember
that disassembling or altering the Nintendo 64 console or any of its components
voids your warranty!

Before you begin,
unplug your Nintendo 64
console.

You don't want to get zapped,
right? Take out the AC adapter and any game cartridge you left in the
console and disconnect all controllers and the AV-cable until you've
only got the console left.

1. Open the memory hatch at the
top of the console and take out the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak (or Jumper
Pak, if you don't have one). You may have to use a simple tool, such as a
flat screwdriver or a penny to pull it out. Be careful not to damage it.
If you have never removed your Jumper Pak you will first have to peel off
a small sticker before you can remove it.

2. Take the Gamebit and start
unscrewing all the screws on the underside of the Nintendo 64. There are
a total of six screws. Don't lose them.

3. Put the six screws aside and
take off the N64's two feet. They should come right off, but you may have
to use the help of your screwdriver or a small knife if you've got a nasty,
greasy, sticky, old console (like Matt).

4. Yeah! It's time to open this
bad boy up. (I case you've already opened up your e-mail program to ask us
where we got that funky RAM compartment hatch in the picture above -- it's
included with the standard Mad
Catz High-Rez Pak.

5. Carefully take the top off
your Nintendo 64 and turn it around (you don't need to make any alterations
in the base). See that gray thing? That's the culprit.

6. Use a Phillipshead screwdriver
or similar tool to take out the two small screws that hold this dust
guard in place. Once you have taken it out, you've got two
options:

a) Discard the gray dust guard
as well as the two shutters that it holds in place. This is the easiest and
quickest way to modify your console. What's the downside? Well, you won't
have those neat little shutters anymore (below, left), leaving your console's
inside more susceptible to dust. If you ask us, it's not really a problem.
You'll have a cartridge stuck in there most of the time anyway. But if you
just can't live with the view (below, right), there is another
alternative.

b) You can use a file or
a soldering iron (please, only use one if you know what you're doing
and perform the job outside or in a very well ventilated room!) to modify
the dust guard. The picture below (left) shows you which part of the dust
guard actually blocks the Japanese cartridge. Simply get rid of the two plastic
blocks on the left (below, right) and the right side, then reinstall the
dust guard (and the shutters, if you took them out).

That's it. The choice is
yours. Once you have reinstalled the dust guard and shutters (or thrown
them out), reassemble your Nintendo 64 and put the Jumper Pak or Expansion
Pak back in. You're now ready to play Japanese import games without the need
of a converter or a GameShark. And don't worry, all your US cartridges will
of course still work as well.